Master Ball

The Master Ball (Japanese: マスターボールMaster Ball) is a variety of Poké Ball introduced in Generation I, and arguably the rarest of all Poké Ball variants. It is unique in the aspect that it is guaranteed to catch any wild Pokémon that it is thrown at (with the exception of the ghost Marowak and Kyurem while it is under Ghetsis's control). It shares this attribute with the Park and Dream Ball used within Pal Park and the Entralink, respectively. However, unlike these Poké Balls, the Master Ball can be obtained and used outside of these specific areas.

The Master Ball, like all Poké Balls, is spherical in shape. The top and bottom halves are divided by a horizontal black band, on which is the button found on all Poké Balls. The top half of the Master Ball is purple, with a white letter "M" on the front, with a pink circle on either side.

Distribution

The Master Ball was distributed at Pokémon Center stores throughout Japan. It was also distributed at the Tohoku Pokémon Center individually due to it not being built at the time of the initial distribution.

In the spin-off games

In the two Pokémon Pinball titles, the Poké Ball that serves as the pinball is capable of being upgraded to a Great Ball, an Ultra Ball and a Master Ball. However, this serves solely as a score multiplier, as catching a Pokémon is always guaranteed, even with a regular Poké Ball.

The Master Ball makes its official Super Smash Bros. debut as a throwing item. It functions much like the Poké Ball item, but only summons rare and Legendary Pokémon or a Goldeen.

Trophy information

These valuable, powerful balls can capture any wild Pokémon. In Smash Bros., hard- to-find Pokémon often pop out of them. You can easily identify a Master Ball by the distinct purple appearance and large M on the top. A Pokémon within a Master Ball may turn the tide of battle.

In Whiscash and Ash, the fisherman Sullivan attempted to use a Master Ball in a last-ditch attempt to catch Nero, an oversized wild Whiscash that had long eluded him. However, Nero swallowed the Master Ball and disappeared back into the water, not being caught. At the end of the episode, Nero was seen playing with the Master Ball on its tongue.

Master Ball in Pokémon Origins

In Pokémon Origins

The Master Ball never made an actual appearance in Pokémon Origins, only appearing in Silph Co. president's secretary's demonstration in File 3 - Giovanni. She mentioned that the Master Ball was still in development, and only existed as a prototype. She also told that it was why Team Rocket had taken over their office building; they intended to accelerate the development of the Master Ball and then steal it when it would be completed, making sure they would be the only ones possessing it. After Team Rocket was driven out of the building by Red, it was mentioned that the development of the Master Ball was put on hold for a while.

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

In the Pokémon Zensho manga

Satoshi obtained a Master Ball from the Silph Co.'s president in Saffron City as a thanks for rescuing his company from the hands of Team Rocket.

In the TCG

The following is a list of cards named Master Ball.

Master BallCards listed with a blue background are only legal to use in the current Expanded format.Cards listed with a silver background are legal to use in both the current Standard and Expanded formats.